Wenger 'not close' on any new signings for Arsenal

By Sean Monaghan

The Frenchman insists he's no closer to bringing any new faces in at The Emirates as Thursday's transfer deadline day looms, with Theo Walcott's new contract the only done deal

Arsene Wenger has conceded that he isn't close to bringing any new players to Arsenal in the January transfer window, claiming that the required calibre of player is hard to come by at this point in a season.

A three-year contract extension for Theo Walcott is the only business that has taken place in the Gunners' boardroom, with fans frustrated at a lack of transfers under Wenger in recent times, but the Frenchman insists he will not bring in players for the sake of it.

"You do not find them in the street, strikers who can play for us. We have strength in our team. It is difficult in January," he told reporters.

"Realistically, I cannot tell you I will sign anyone tomorrow, or Tuesday, as we are not close to doing it."

Those words are likely to cause unrest amongst the Gunners' faithful after they saw their team barely scrape through against Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday. A late deflected Walcott effort was enough to see Arsenal through to round five, but alarm bells will certainly be ringing.

Arsenal sit in sixth position in the Premier League, four points adrift of a Champions' League spot, and have lacked the necessary firepower up front at times this season.

They also face a stern test against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League in February, but Wenger as ever is keeping his cards close to his chest about any possible transfer deals being wrapped up in the coming days.